Handling system for information carriers

ABSTRACT

A handling system for information carriers such as a credit card and the like includes information storing means such as a chip circuit and the like. The credit card, when not used, is to be unserviceable. To activate the credit card to a serviceable condition, there is introduced into the chip circuit, by a code transmitter, one or more states of authority, which are adapted to be read by a transceiver device included in a press copying machine for the credit card. The authority information received is arranged to be indicated at the press copying machine. The press copying operation is also arranged to control the transceiver device such that a signal is transferred to the chip circuit to extinguish the state therein, that is to deactivate the credit card after authority indication.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to apparatus and systems for cooperationwith credit cards and the like. In the present context the term creditcard is intended to cover all forms of information carriers which areportable and which can receive and give off information.

PRIOR ART

Nowadays various forms of identity and credit cards are generally used,most of them including, besides visually readable information such asthe card holder's name etc., some form of information carrier, whichcould be read by electronic means. The information carrier usuallycomprises a tape of magnetic material into which a signal code isintroduced. The code is readable for identification purposes byelectromagnetic means and electronic apparatus connected thereto. Anexample is so called "Bankomat™" or ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) cardsand card reading machines associated therewith.

There are also credit cards and identification documents today whichinclude electronic circuits, so called chips, which in turn includememory and signal processing circuits. These chips are provided withmeans for receiving and emitting signals from and to outsidetransmission means. Consequently, by means of this technique informationcan be stored in the memory of the chip circuits, to be utilized invarious ways. Among the public such credit cards are now called "smartcards" or IC-cards. The advantage of using a smart card for applicationssuch as credit cards is that direct information of the holder's creditworthiness can be obtained at the point of use, provided that the pointof use concerned is connected to a banking centre, e.g. via modems andtelecommunication networks. For example, such communication can be usedto establish that the purchase sum at any time of buying isautomatically deducted from the credit amount available, and that thenew available credit amount is stored in the memory of the chip circuitto be used at the next point of purchase.

A credit card used in this way will of course provide excellent securityto shopkeepers as well as to the bank, inasmuch as control functions canbe established in a very reliable way. The level of security in thepresent connection is thus very high. However, a considerabledisadvantage of a system as disclosed above is the fact that each pointof sale has to be equipped with a terminal connected by modems to abanking centre, e.g. by way of telecommunication circuits or leasedcircuits. As a matter of course it will be very costly for a departmentstore to install a terminal at every cash desk. Also, the loading of thetelecommunication network will also be considerable. Such systems havebeen tested in practice and have been found to be secure but they are,as stated, expensive to install as well as to run. The credit cardsproper, however, are comparatively cheap to produce, even if they areprovided with a chip.

In today's situation a credit card can be used repeatedly once over ifan unauthorized person gets control of it. The period of time before onemanages to freeze a card can vary from a few hours to a week, which ofcourse is very unfavorable to the card holder. The economical loads oncard holders as well as on account card enterprises are considerable.Therefore, much would be gained if a level of security could be attainedin everyday handling which approaches that exhibited by the smart creditcards described above. It is particularly essential to preventunauthorized persons from using another person's credit card.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based upon a novel idea, namely, that a creditcard or similar information carrier invalid for payment as long as thecard holder does not take special measures to bring the card into astate of validity. According to the invention the card holder has at hisdisposal a code transmission apparatus which can communicate with amemory circuit included in the credit card or the like in order totransfer a specific validity code to render the card serviceable. Acredit card brought into this state of validity can then be put incooperation with a further transmission apparatus, e.g. mounted in a socalled imprinter at a point of sale used to read the memory contents ofthe chip circuit. The transmission circuit is designed to extinguish,after having received the validity code, the memory contents of the chipcircuit. The procedure thus described is arranged to trigger indicatingmeans so that the point of sale or the like concerned will provide anindication that the card is valid as a means of payment. When the cardis given back to the card holder there are thus no validity markings.Therefore, if some unauthorized person should get control of the card,since any corresponding apparatus at any point of sale would give riseto an indication of invalidity, the card cannot be used. As can be seen,the credit card will remain completely unfit for use as long as the cardholder does not activate the card.

The characterizing features of the present invention will appear fromthe patent claims that follow.

The invention will be described in greater detail with reference to theaccompanying drawings which show and exemplify an embodiment of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a credit card having an internal chip circuit.

FIG. 2 shows diagrammatically the chip circuit according to FIG. 1 incommunicative cooperation with a transmission device for signaltransfer.

FIG. 3 shows the credit card according to FIG. 1 with its chip circuitin cooperation with an activating device.

FIG. 4 shows diagrammatically and in perspective a press copying machinefor credit cards equipped in accordance with the present invention andincluding signal transmission devices for communication with the chipcircuit.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The credit card 1 shown in FIG. 1 is provided in the usual way withmarkings for identification, generally impressed and stating the owner'sname and identification number. The reverse side of the credit card 1may contain a magnetic strip 3 intended to cooperate with reading means,for example, occurring in connection with "Bankomat™" or ATM terminals.The credit card also includes a chip circuit 4 with a signaltransferring means 5 and a memory circuit 6. The chip circuit alsocontains signal processing units, but for the sake of clarity suchcircuit members have been omitted. Consequently the chip circuit isillustrated completely diagrammatically.

As pointed out in the introduction a chip circuit can be supplied withstate signal which can be stored in its memory. FIG. 2 shows atransmission device for the inductive transfer of state signals to thechip circuit proper. In order that state signals are transferred via acoil 7 used for inductive cooperation with the signal transferring means5. Said coil 7 is in communication, by cables 8, with a transceiverarrangement 9 including signal processing circuits. The arrangement 9communicates with an indicator means 10 including a display screen 11.By activating the transceiver arrangement 9 activating signals can betransferred inductively by way of coil 7 to the receiving means 5. Theseactivating signals in turn activate the chip circuit in order to permitthe storage of the validation state signal to memory circuit 6. Thecommunication can be bidirectional, that is, upon certain commands thechip circuit can respond and submit to the transceiver arrangement 9 astate signal which can be visualized on the display 11. Consequently,information can be stored in the memory circuit 6 which is significantto the use of the credit card in connection with e.g. a terminal.

As stated above the essence of the invention resides in the feature thatcredit card 1 or some other information carrier, is, in its normalcondition, inactive or that credit card 1 exhibits some state ofinformation indicating that it is unserviceable. This means that thecard has to be activated, that is, the credit card 1 has to be broughtinto a state where it can be used as means of payment. To this end thecard is presented to an activating device. Such an activating device isillustrated in FIG. 3 and designated 12. The activating device includesfour operating keys 13, 14, 15, 16 each connected to a signal processingand transmitting circuit 17 included in the activating device. Althoughnot shown in detail the circuit 17 includes similar devices as thoseshown in FIG. 2, that is coil 7, cables 8 and transceiver arrangement 9,for cooperation with receiving means 5 in chip circuit 4. FIG. 3illustrates how the credit card is brought together with the activatingdevice so that signals can be transferred from the activating circuit tothe memory 6 of the chip circuit 4. Introducing a code signal sequenceforming a state of activation in the memory 6 could suitably betriggered by a specific sequential depressing of the operating keys13-16. For example, to the card holder may key an operating sequencesuch as first the operating key 15 is depressed, then 13, followed by 14and 16. After such an operation a state signal has thus been transferredto the memory circuit 6, and the card is now activated. The user canthus remove the activated card from the activating device 12 and presentthe card to a point of sale as a means of payment.

By way of example, in FIG. 4 there is diagrammatically shown a presscopying machine, i.e. a device for transferring by pressure embossedinformation from a credit card to a bundle of debiting and checkingblanks for the customer to confirm and attest. The press copying machine18 shown in the figure has the form of a box having an upper frame 19defining a lowered surface 20 with a recess for receiving the creditcard 1 concerned. On the edges 19 of the frame a press copying mechanism21 is arranged slidable and displaceable along the box in the directionsof arrows 22 and 23. The press copying mechanism 21 includes in theusual manner a pressure roll 24 and an operating handle 25 at the top.By dot-dashed lines there is indicating said bundle of checking anddebiting blanks 26 to be inserted in the direction of arrow 27 on top ofthe credit card and onto the lowered surface 20. In operating themechanism 21, i.e. displacing it in the direction of arrow 22, thepressure roll 24 will press the blanks against the credit card andperform imprinting,

However, in accordance with the present invention the machine 18illustrated is provided in its box-shaped part with a transceiver device28 and associated transmission details 29. The apparatus now describedis located such that communication can be established between the chipcircuit 4 and the transceiver device 28. A change-over switch 30 isconnected to the transceiver device 28 by a cable 29, the switch havingan operating rod 31 carrying an operating button 32 projecting somewhatabove the surface of the frame 19. The device 28 communicates by a cable33 with an indicating device 34 with an indicating display screen 35.

It is assumed, as described in connection with FIG. 3, that theactivated credit card is inserted into the press copying machine 18shown in FIG. 4 on the spot marked for the purpose, after which thebundle of debiting blanks 26 is inserted and the pressure mechanism 21set in motion in the direction of arrow 22 by the handle 25 beingoperated. According as the mechanism slides along the two sides of theframe 19 the pressure roll 24 will press the bundle 26 against thecredit card and impression occurs as usual. When the pressure mechanism21 has arrived to the operating button 32 this will be actuated by aforce causing the switch 30 to be reversed, which has the effect thatthe transceiver device 28 is started and emits an inquiry signalsequence which is transferred to the chip circuit 4 in the mannerpreviously disclosed. Hereby the chip circuit arrives into an operatingstate and makes the contents of memory circuit 6 available to thetransceiver device 28. The state previously applied to the memory 6 ofthe chip circuit is now communicated to the device 28 which will readsaid state. If the state exhibits a predetermined value, a signal istransmitted to the indicating unit 34. Then the display 35 is being litand an indication shows, for example, by the letters "Valid", that thecredit card in question is serviceable. When the pressure device 21 hasbeen pushed all the way to the opposite end of the machine 18 theoperating push button 32 is again released and the transceiver circuit28 returns to a resting position. In order to make it possible to removethe bundle 26 the pressure mechanism 21 has to be returned to thestarting position shown in FIG. 4. In doing so the pressure mechanism 21will again actuate the operating button 32 with the result that thetransceiver 28 is switched to transmitting position. A code signal isthen emitted and transmitted to the chip circuit 4, said code signalcausing the state earlier applied to the memory 6 to be extinguished.Hence, when the credit card is given back to the customer it is unfitfor use (invalid) but, still, it has served its purpose by having giventhe point of sale a go-ahead signal to the effect that it has beenpossible to use the card at the moment of sale. The credit card can nowbe kept by the card holder without being under any particularsupervision, as the card, should it be used improperly at any point ofsale, would be unable to create any go-ahead signal on the indicatingdisplay 35.

As shown, a credit card, otherwise a valuable item attracting thieves,can be made worthless in a very simple way, as the user normallymaintains the credit card inactive, that is, unserviceable. A presscopying machine equipped in a manner shown in FIG. 4 represents a modestinvestment indeed in comparison with the installation of a bankassociated terminal with modems and the like at every point of sale. Aspointed out earlier security will of course not be quite the same aswhen point of sale terminals are used. Still, however, misuse of thecredit card by unauthorized persons can be largely prevented and at alower cost.

In order to further raise the safety level such solutions can of coursebe conceived where the credit card magnet strip 3 mentioned earlier isread by means, not shown in detail, when the pressure mechanism 21 isdisplaced. Then the code information obtained by reading the contents ofthe magnet strip 3 together with code contents of the memory 6 of thechip circuit 4 can form parameters for a comparison of information,which in turn can result in triggering the indicating device 34 so thatthe display 35 will indicate a serviceable credit card. In such aconnection the security level will of course be raised considerably.

Within the scope of the invention the security level can be raisedfurther by the following measures relating to the press copying machineproper. As mentioned before the contents of the memory 6 of the chipcircuit 4 is read in connection with the credit card being press copied.Besides the fact that a state is imparted to the memory indicating thatthe card is serviceable it is conceivable that information has beenintroduced into the memory about the recording of the credit card withthe credit card company concerned. Such information can be readilystored in a memory in the means 28. As mentioned before, returning thepress copying mechanism 21 is intended to bring about elimination of thestate in the chip memory 6. Simultaneously with this operation a randomnumber generator (not shown) component of the means 28 can be started,said generator being coded by the credit card company. Then jointoperation of the credit card information and the random number code willadvise that the card besides being serviceable also is valid, a piece ofinformation which is valuable to the point of sale and which alsoconstitutes to the credit card company a confirmation of transaction. Asa matter of fact, if necessary the memory contents can be periodicallyread by the credit card company when the press copying machine ischecked, e.g. at service.

Triggering the code for extinguishing the state introduced into thememory 6 of the chip circuit 4 can of course be brought about in anotherway than by actuating again the change-over switch 30 when the mechanism21 is returned to its starting position. For example, reading the stateper se could form the basis of triggering the extinguishing procedure bymaking the card chip circuit react on the reading operation performed atthe second code transmission device. The essential point is that thecard is unfit for use when removed from the machine 18.

Within the scope of the invention the state(s) imparted to the memory 6to make the card serviceable can include further information possiblynecessary to the points of sale. In such cases the indicating unit is tobe adjusted to growing demands for information,

As a matter of course, the activating device 12 shown in FIG. 3 could bedesigned in many ways within the scope of the invention. Suitably it ismade planar in order to both fit a credit card and a place where it iskept, e.g. a wallet. It is conceivable that the introduction of statescan be initiated by other means than by push buttons 13-16. Here moderntechniques offer many solutions. Suitably the chip circuit is designedsuch that a state transferred thereto and stored therein has a timelylimited duration in order to prevent unauthorized use of an activatedcard during a period of time longer than that requested for concluding anormal registration procedure at a point of sale.

I claim:
 1. Handling system for information carriers, in particular socalled credit cards and the like, comprising:information storing meansbeing externally communicated; a first state imparting device; a secondstate receiving and digesting device; said information storing meansbeing brought to communicate with the first and second devices in such away that said first device imparts to the information storing means atleast one state which, when the information storing means cooperateswith said second device, is read and computed by said second device;wherein the information storing means includes a chip circuit having asignal processing unit, and a memory circuit; wherein said first stateimparting device is arranged as a signal transmitter, the signaltransmitter being in cooperation with the information storing means toactivate the information storing means by inputting a code of authoritystate through operation means, the code of authority being arranged tobe released by a sequential actuation of operating means; and saidsecond receiving and digesting device including an information readerand a signal transmitter, the information reader and the chip circuitinitiating an elimination code to eliminate a state signal in the memorycircuit of the information storing means upon detecting and reading acorrect authority code.
 2. Handling system according to claim 1, whereinthe signal transmitter initiates an input of a different state after thecode of authority state has been detected.
 3. Handling system accordingto claim 1, wherein the signal processing of the information storingmeans detects a content of the authority code and initiate anelimination of said authority code in the memory circuit of theinformation storing means.
 4. Handling system according to claim 1,wherein the chip circuit includes timing means for emitting anelimination code to eliminate the authority code which is stored in thememory circuit.
 5. Handling system according to claim 1, wherein saidfirst state imparting device includes a first transmission device havingsaid operating means and a transmitter circuit for releasing andtransmitting a plurality of code signals to the information storingmeans to generate at least one state.
 6. Handling system according toclaim 1, wherein said second state receiving and digesting deviceincludes a second transmission device having said signal transmitter,said second transmission device locks and stores information from theinformation storing means for further handling of transmitting. 7.Handling system according to claim 1, wherein said second statereceiving and digesting device is disposed in a press copying machinefor credit cards and the like, said second state receiving and digestingdevice includes a second transmission device being functionallyinitiated by the press copying machine.
 8. Handling system according toclaim 7, wherein the press copying machine further includes anindicating device for indicating a state, the indicating device isconnected to the second transmission device.
 9. Handling systemaccording to claim 7, wherein the press copying machine further includesmeans for reading further information which is optically stored in thecredit card or the like and for handling information in connection withremaining information obtained.
 10. Handling system according to claim7, wherein the press copying machine further includes means for readingfurther information which is magnetically stored in the credit card orthe like and for handling information in connection with remaininginformation obtained.
 11. Handling system according to claim 1, whereinsaid second state receiving and digesting device further includes acoded random number generator generating a random code, a state inputtedinto the information storing means is joint information of credit cardinformation and the random code.